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Is 5% Nicotine A Lot In A Juice?

Published 25 July 2022, Updated 10 April 2024

Is 5% Nicotine A Lot In A Juice?

Is 5% Nicotine A Lot In A Juice?

5% nicotine in vape juice is extremely strong and is, in fact, illegal in the EU and UK under TPD regulations.

You may have realised that it's very difficult to get your hands on a 5% nicotine strength eliquid; this is illegal for use and sale in the EU and UK. Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) have set out guidance for the e-cigarette industry to follow. The requirements and guidance ensure the quality and safety of all e-cigarettes are met.

One of the main regulations is:

'Restrict e-liquids to a nicotine strength of no more than 20 mg/ml.'

It is important to steer away from any e-liquid that is over 20mg. 5% nicotine has been deemed unsafe for public use by the MHRA and banned for a reason. As nicotine is a stimulant, too much nicotine can have detrimental effects on the body; therefore, it is essential to stick to TPD-compliant e-liquids with the maximum nicotine concentration being 2% (20mg).

The highest amount of nicotine you can purchase in the UK and EU is 2% (20mg). 20mg is aimed at heavy smokers to help them quit smoking and is available in nicotine salts. Nicotine salts offer a smooth vape to satisfy nicotine cravings at high nicotine strengths of 20mg. Salt nicotine e-juice is available in nicotine levels between 3mg and 20mg.

Freebase nicotine is also available, with 18mg (1.8%) or 20mg (2%) being the highest nicotine strengths available. Freebase nicotine e-liquid offers a much harsher throat hit that mimics smoking cessation more than a nicotine salt e-liquid. Freebase nicotine is available in 3, 6, 12, 18 and 20 mg nicotine strengths.

What Does 5% Mean On Nicotine?

5% of nicotine means 50mg of nicotine per millilitre of e-liquid (50 mg/ml).

Although you may have seen 5% (50mg) advertised in the US, this nicotine level is, in fact, illegal for sale and use in the UK and EU. Under TRPR rules, e-liquids are restricted to 20mg/ml, which is 2%. This is more than half of 5%, and it's for a good reason.

If you're a heavy smoker, we recommend vaping 2% (20mg/ml) nicotine salt e-liquids or freebase nicotine. Salt nicotine vape juice will provide a much smoother throat hit and less harshness than freebase nicotine; however, freebase nicotine will give a closer hit to a Tobacco cigarette.

If you are a casual smoker and want to switch to vaping, we recommend vaping between 6-12mg. A light smoker or vaper should be vaping with less than 6mg of nicotine strength.

Explore our catalogue of cheap e-liquid and premium vape juice at IndeJuice.

Learn more about nicotine with article is 0mg vape juice really nicotine free?

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